Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – Dec. 13, 2021 – Any Updates on When More of us Can Starting Getting COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots?

Welcome to the Mayor’s Monday Mailbag, an initiative Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and the Mayor’s Office has launched to share weekly answers to questions from the public we’ve received through our main email inbox at mayor@burlington.ca or the Mayor’s social media platforms.At the end of the month, we’ll publish a roundup of those most pressing questions we’ve received in the weeks prior.Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – Dec. 13, 2021QUESTION:“Are there any updates on when more of us can starting getting the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots?”ANSWER:UPDATED ON DEC. 15, 2021The Province announced on Dec. 10 that as of today (Monday, Dec. 13 at 8 a.m.), individuals aged 50 and older will be eligible to schedule their booster dose appointment. This will expand booster eligibility to approximately 5.5 million people.The Province had originally announced that third-dose boosters would be expanded to all Ontarians aged 18 and older starting in January 2022, however, on Dec. 15, it was announced the eligibility date would be moved up to Monday, Dec. 20 -- appointments can be booked approximately three months after receiving a second dose.Please see below more details released from the Region of Halton.Following Provincial direction, starting Monday, December 13, residents 50 years of age and older (born in 1971 or earlier) can book an appointment to receive a third dose/booster of COVID-19 vaccine through Halton’s online booking system. Residents are eligible 6 months (or 168 days) after their second dose.“We have had great success with our vaccination program so far and 87 per cent of our residents are fully vaccinated,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Thank you to everyone who has rolled up their sleeves or helped someone get to their appointment. We have a team of friendly and highly skilled staff and clinics in all four municipalities ready to provide more third doses. There are also other ways to get the vaccine in our community including many pharmacies, GO-VAXX bus stops and participating primary care providers.”To help make it easier for residents to determine when they are eligible for their third dose/booster, Halton has launched an online Third Dose Calculator. Users are prompted to select their eligibility group and the date of their second dose and are then provided with their eligibility date.All third dose/booster appointments must be booked through Halton’s online booking system or by calling 311. Appointments are available at Halton Region Community Clinics located Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville and Milton.Third doses boosters are also available at many pharmacy locations across Halton and Ontario. The Province’s pharmacy finder tool allows residents to quickly sort by location and vaccine type (Pfizer or Moderna).“With the emergence of the Omicron variant in our community, I urge all residents to be vigilant and get fully vaccinated to gain strong protection,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “If you are eligible for a third dose, I encourage you to get it as soon as possible to gain an extra layer of protection. Getting vaccinated at a pharmacy is another quick and easy option, and with so many pharmacies participating across the region, there is likely one or more right in your neighbourhood. Thank you to everyone who is rolling up their sleeves or helping someone get their vaccine.”First and second doses still available and strongly encouragedAchieving high first and second dose coverage remains a top priority for Halton and Ontario. Starting Monday, December 13, Halton will resume offering walk-ins for first and second doses for residents 12+ at community clinics on days scheduled for 12+ vaccinations. Walk-ins will not be accepted for paediatric vaccine (5-11 year olds) and third dose/boosters.Residents can also get first, second and third doses through:

• Provincial GO-VAXX bus stops – New! Now also offering first doses of the paediatric vaccine for 5-11 year olds;
• 100 pharmacies in Halton and locations across Ontario; and
• participating primary care and paediatric providers.

Important information & instructions

• Starting Monday, December 13, residents 50 years of age and older (born in 1971 or earlier) can book an appointment for a third dose/booster through Halton’s online booking system. Residents are eligible 6 months (or 168 days) following their second dose.
  • This is in addition to certain moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals and those receiving dialysis who are already eligible. These individuals should speak with their primary care provider/specialist to discuss vaccination and complete a referral form before booking their appointment through Halton’s clinics.
• Third dose/boosters are also available at participating pharmacies and some primary care providers. To find a pharmacy close to you, use the Province’s pharmacy finder tool, or you can contact your primary care provider.
• Starting Monday, December 13, walk-ins for first and second doses for residents 12+ will be accepted at Halton’s community clinics. Walk-ins will only be accepted on clinic days scheduled for 12+ vaccinations. Appointments are still encouraged and walk-in availability will be limited.
  • Walk-ins will not be accepted for paediatric vaccine (5-11 year olds) and for third dose/boosters.
• Residents who access the Provincial booking system will be guided back to Halton’s system. Please do not contact clinics directly.
• Residents who require assistance can call 311 to book their appointment. Please only call 311 if you require immediate booking support or do not have internet access. As we expect an increase in volume, please be patient while Halton makes sure those who require support have access to this service.
• Residents requiring additional assistance, language supports or other accommodations at a community clinic can contact 311 prior to their appointment to arrange for supports.
  • Transportation services to and from appointments are available, free of charge, for those who require it.
  • Parking is free at all clinic locations.
• To prepare for your appointment, please remember to:
  • bring your health card. If you do not have a health card, bring photo ID with your name and date of birth;
  • arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your appointment;
  • wear a mask;
  • complete a wellness check before entering a clinic, using the Provincial COVID-19 Screening Tool;
  • attend appointments alone if possible. You may bring one support person if required (for example, a caregiver or interpreter); and
  • visit Halton’s Preparing for your vaccination webpage for additional information.

To learn more about Halton Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program, including eligibility for third doses, how to book an appointment, to get answers to frequently asked questions or find accurate information on vaccine safety, please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccinesRELATED LINKS:

• Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – Dec. 6, 2021 – If There’s a Big Snowfall, When Can I Expect Burlington Plows to Clear my Street?
• Mayor’s Mailbag – November 2021 Roundup – Rural Broadband Project, Housing Needs, Former Robert Bateman HS Site, OLT Approval, & Loose-Leaf Collection
• Mayor’s Mailbag – October 2021 Roundup – Noise from Loud Vehicles, Complaints About Council Decision or Council/City Conduct, & Halloween Provincial Guidelines
• Mayor’s Mailbag – September 2021 Roundup – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Where Should I Direct my City-Related Questions, & Changes to Noise Regulation of Transportation of Goods
• Mayor’s Mailbag – August 2021 Roundup – Mixed vaccines & travel, Memorializing a loved one, & Construction hours of operation
• Mayor’s Monday Mailbag — July 2021 Roundup — Fireworks regulations, Millcroft Greens development, lifting of mask mandate & high-rises at Holland Park site
• Mayor’s Monday Mailbag — June 2021 Roundup — Development applications, vaccine supply & gunk on the beach

—*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor’s Media and Digital Communications Specialist